I did open first time. Should've done novice. From what I hear, do novice until they won't let you anymore. I was good on axle and deadlift, but 275 farmer's killed me, 275 sandbag carry killed me, so did the 250 stone to 56". I took second to last out of 6 or 7. Honestly, just looking at the events, you might just want to work foot speed, agility, conditioning, and carries and do open. 260 axle is tough. I'd do a lot of split jerks out of the rack to prep and a lot of practice with the continental clean. I don't think you'll hate 750 yoke. If you don't have a yoke, Spud just started making Straps that you hang from the bar that turn it into a yoke.